Rajasthan—The land of Royalty is Eulogized for Glittering Gemstones, Gold & Kundan Jewellery. The state Looks forward to Adding a Brand new Sparkler– Peerless Pearl which is likely to Enhance its Natural Radiance. If the Gem Gurus are to be Believed, Pearl Farming will Double the Income of the Farming Sector in the Coming Years…
Pristine, precious, nectar drops, they fascinate us, no matter how many times we see them—that’s how women describe pearls. Diamond may be a girl’s best friend, but pearlsm, certainly are her most loyal companion. The entire world bows to their stunningly aesthetic beauty. But it’s not just the oyesters that make these white dewdrops; a farmer can create them too. Unbelievable isn’t it? Pearl farming is an intricate process of replicating natural pearls, over a period of time. Not many of us know that pearl farming is a profitable venture offering up to 200% returns without tax deductions.
Rajasthan pearl farming is the next big venture of state government. Jewelry experts believe pearl culture is a smooth, delicate process, which requires basic efforts on a farmer’s part. Did that spark an idea? Read on to know how can reap profits from pearl farming in Rajasthan.
Rajasthan to Emulate the Art of Pearl Culture from Odhisha
As per experts, the minimal starting investment in a pearl farm (spanning over 1 acre land) is just 2-3 lakhs. Other states practicing this art harvest 95% pure pearls, having great export value. If done properly, the culturist can acquire up to 50% returns of his investment in the very first year. Bhubaneswar’s Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture has mastered the art of freshwater pearl culture in different habitats in India.
Rajasthan agriculture department, a patron of secondary source of income, recently sent a team of officials to Odhisa to receive training in pearl farming. Accordingly, authorities have laid the groundwork for the pearl pilot project in Jaipur.
Oyester vs. Farmers: The Know-How of Culturing Pearls
Pearl is naturally produced by molluscs when they’re irritated by sand and other irritants. When foreign particles enter into their shell, rather than ejecting it out, the mussel adds a shiny coating around the particle (nucleus). In short, pearl is nothing but water, organic matrix and calcium carbonate combined.
Imitated pearls are artificial gemstones produced in factories that contain compact pearl-like materials with an outer pearly coating. Compared to it, the natural pearls are small-sized, irregular in shape and contain thick pearl nacre.
Farmed or cultured pearl is produced naturally with human intervention. Farmers surgically implant nucleus and live mantle graft to stimulate pearl formation of different shapes, size, luster and color. Three mussel species are used for this task—Parreysia corrugate, Lamellidens corrianus and Lamellidens marginalis.
Due to over exploitation and water pollution, natural pearl production has drastically reduced in last one decade. Nevertheless, the demand is constantly increasing in the natural market. Despite being a lucrative business, unfortunately, this sector hasn’t attracted Indian farmers due to lack of exposure. While technically advanced countries like Japan, China, Australia and Indonesia are master cultivators of pearls, India lags far behind in this trade.
Government Encourages Rajasthan Farmers to take Up Pearl Farming
Knowing that imported pearls can cost up to $4 million/year, state agriculture minister Prabhu Lal Saini has sped up oyster purchase to facilitate pearl cultivation. Raje government has set up brackish ponds and state-of-the-art labs for culturing oyster shells. The authorities will keep fish along with oysters in the pond, as mussels derive food from fish leftovers. Pisciculture (fish farming) is an added advantage.
Once the pilot plant is successfully set up at Jaipur, the government will find a fresh water source near Kota. Local authorities will identify needy farmers and expose them to this option to diversify agricultural income. Rajasthan agriculture department officials claim that though it takes 12-18 months for the pearl to form, once made, the farmers can earn up to Rs 10 lakh annually from these pearl farms. Hopefully, it’ll help them accomplish the Herculean task of doubling farmer income by 2020.
